Final comprehensive Cowboys-Packers injury report has many questions

Final comprehensive Cowboys-Packers injury report has many questions

As the Cowboys prepare to welcome back several injured or suspended players, one player’s injury looms above the rest. That’s the hamstring injury of Sean Lee.

Lee is Pro Football Focus’ top run-stopping linebacker thus far in 2017. As the nation watched Todd Gurley run rampant through the Cowboys front seven last weekend, there was no clearer indication the Cowboys need Lee back in the worst way. They may not have their prayers answered this week after owner Jerry Jones was sure to note the team’s upcoming bye week and value of caution when discussing the injured linebacker. Here’s the status of the remaining injured Cowboys.

Anthony Brown

Brown appeared on the injury report for the first time Thursday with an ankle injury. He is listed as questionable, but Todd Archer reported that the injury is “not believed to be serious”. Brown has had an up-and-down start to the season but there’s no doubt that the Cowboys need him out there against Aaron Rodgers and company.

Tyron Smith

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Unlike Lee, Jones gave the radio audience a good feeling about Smith’s availability for Sunday’s game. He noted it “would really be a surprise if he doesn’t play”. It’s common knowledge Smith is an indispensable component of this offensive line. Despite his questionable tag with a back injury, the team will absolutely need him on Sunday as they look to try to regain the down-by-down efficiency that they displayed throughout 2016.

Stephen Paea

Paea joined Smith as the only two players who weren’t on the field during the open portion of practice on Friday. Along with Smith, Paea received a questionable tag for Week Five with a knee injury that has limited his practice time the last three weeks. Paea has yet to miss a game this season and it seems unlikely he misses Sunday’s.

La’el Collins

Collins appeared on the injury report with an ankle injury this week but was a full participant in every practice. Despite the questionable tag, it remains likely that Collins suits up on Sunday.

Nolan Carroll

Like Collins, Carroll earned a questionable tag due to his concussion despite fully participating in every practice this week. He’s likely to be available for the Cowboys but it remains to be seen what his role will be upon his return.

Green Bay Packers

Davante Adams

On the Green Bay side of things, it’s a good sign for Adams that he’s been able to participate this week in practice with his concussion. Rivalries aside, the hit Adams withstood last Thursday night against Chicago was as scary as you’ll see. He is listed as questionable and the Cowboys certainly wouldn’t mind it if he missed this game. Fewer weapons for Rodgers bodes well for the young Cowboys secondary.

Ty Montgomery

Montgomery was another player the Packers lost due to injury last Thursday with broken ribs. He’s listed as doubtful this week. It was always a long-shot for Montgomery to suit up this weekend after suffering multiple rib fractures. It’s likely that the Packers try to mimic the Rams success with short passes over the middle of the field and a back with receiving skills like Montgomery would be an ideal candidate to do so. Without him, backups Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones figure to carry the load.

Mike Daniels

Daniels has already declared himself “ready to roll“. He is listed as questionable with a hip injury, but he did manage to practice in limited fashion every day this week. Daniels was similarly limited last week before missing the game against Chicago but will be key for the Packers run defense Sunday in Dallas.

Bryan Bulaga

Bulaga and fellow OT David Bakhtiari are an interesting case as the Packers didn’t hold practice on Friday. They have yet to see the field together in 2017. Bulaga is listed as questionable with an ankle injury. Bulaga practiced in pads Thursday but without the additonal Friday data-point it will be interesting to see whether or not he plays. It seems like the Packers expect to have both bookends for the game Sunday.

David Bakhtiari

Bakhtiari has missed three games with a hamstring injury thus far in 2017. He’s listed as questionable for Sunday but has been trending towards playing this week – practicing each day. Unlike Daniels, Bakhtiari’s offered little verbal reassurance ahead of this weekend’s game.

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